Feeling good about yourself can affect the way you think and feel. It can give you the confidence to help you achieve what you want in life.
There are lots of useful websites and organisations who support young people who might be going through a hard time or looking for good advice. They can offer practical support to let you make informed choices about your health and wellbeing.
Looking after your body by exercising, eating well, getting regular sleep and reducing stress can help to make you feel good.
Maybe you're worried about a friend of member of family's health? We can support you if you're feeling sad, anxious, unwell or finding life hard. Know that you're not alone. Please talk to any member of our academy staff or our safeguarding team. We can support you.
Mental health and wellbeing support
Mind is a mental health charity which provides support to everyone who has experienced a mental health problem. If you are concerned about your own mental health or about someone you know, you can contact Mind for advice t: 0300 1233393 or text 86463.
YoungMinds offers information and advice about children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health. They have lots of advice for young people about coping with mental health issues. They also have a helpline for parents and carers t: 0808 8025544.
The Kooth team provide free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling for young people.
Samaritans are available, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And they encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. You can call free on 116 123.
The NHS' Better Health: every mind matters campaign on loneliness provides practical advice, sources of support and suggestions of free and low-cost activities in your local area to help.
Drugs and alcohol advice and support
FRANK is a website which provides honest information about drugs, including advice on how to deal with peer pressure.
YoungMinds explains how alcohol and drug use can affect young people's mental health and explains how to get help if you need it.
Relationships and sexual health
If you are worried about a young person who might be in an abusive relationship, you can find out more about teenage abusive relationships and how to get help here. You can also call Childline to talk about any concerns you might have. They have trained counsellors there to support you. t: 0800 1111
Brook also offer free, confidential advice about sexual health and wellbeing.
The NHS One You website also offers lots of help and sexual health advice. If you would like to talk to someone about a sexual health issue, you can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
Support just for young people
Childline is there to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are there to support you. t: 0800 1111
YoungMinds have lots of advice just for young people about coping with mental health issues, how to get help if you need it and how to look after yourself.
For Young People (4YP) provides counselling and youth work services including weekly youth clubs in Ispwich and Kesgrave t: 01473 252 607
The Mix is a youth work charity based in Stowmarket whose services include a free drop-in space for young people t: 01449 745130
The Source is a website of information, advice and support for young people in Suffolk.
Sleep matters
Did you know that a minimum of 8 to 10 hours good sleep is recommended for teenagers? Here are some top tips on getting a good night's sleep.
Sleep affects your mind and body more than you might think, so it's important to try and have a healthy sleep pattern. Find out more on the NHS One You website.
YoungMinds also explains how to get help if you are a young person having sleep problems.
Eating well
Eating healthily doesn't have to mean giving up your favourite foods. It simply means eating a variety of foods and cutting down on food and drinks high in fat and sugar. Find healthy eating tips for teenagers from the British Nutrition Foundation.
Beat is a charity which has a free helpline for young people who are concerned about their eating habits or those who may have an eating disorder. t: 0808 801 0711.
YoungMinds also has lots of information for young people about eating problems and how to get help.
